#RBEA18 Most Promising Artist: Susobrino

Thursday October 25, 2018

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As with every Red Bull Elektropedia Awards show, we like to put upcoming talent in the spotlight. The Most Promising Artist Award is given to acts that are deemed to be on the verge of breaking through. Whether it’s making beats, spitting bars or singing melodies, these artists have one thing in common: a promising potential to make it big in the music scene.

If you’ve been a loyal follower of Red Bull Elektropedia you know we’ve been holding an eye on the man they call Susobrino. After all, he was one of this year’s selected artists in the 2018 edition of Made In Belgium, a showcase event from in collaboration with Lefto that took place at Vooruit on October 7. This young and versatile musician living in Hasselt has roots in Bolivia and he’s keen on using those in his productions. With great success so it seems. Last year, he conquered the first place in the famed Champion Sound beat battle and he dropped a compelling debut EP soon after, reflecting both his melodic and melancholic sides. Perhaps most of all, Susobrino’s use of a wide range of (sometime odd) music instruments and field recorded samples is what sets him apart the most. Rarely do we see emerging artists embrace this approach with such enthusiasm. So without further ado, meet one of our selected most promising artists this year: Susobrino.

How has 2018 treated you so far?

My god, so good! I always told myself I wanted to make things happen when I would become 23 years old - and it just so happens I celebrated my 23rd birthday the other week. That must be a sign. I guess that if you send out good intentions and your belief is in the right place, that must lead to great results. I’m really thankful for that.

Now that your relatively calm debut EP has been released a few months ago, has the time come for your rougher side to surface?

Absolutely. I’d love to make a dynamic narrative, showing all sides of me. People shouldn’t be moved in only one way, but left, right, up, down and whatnot. Soon enough the next release will arrive to keep the story going.

Which is the most important lesson you apply to your artistry on a regular basis?

Often, I have the tendency to think in rigid structures, but recently I realized that it’s OK to let myself go sometimes, truly believing in myself and my music. This I learned from my roommate and fellow producer Pippin.

You went to Bolivia for many reasons (reconnecting with your roots, making field recordings, etc.). Has that played an influence on the way you approach music? Do you have any plans to make another trip?

To say it was anything less than a massive influence would be a lie! Making field recordings is so rewarding because it gives a little more depth and soul to your samples. Now, every sound you use has a particular story: “This was a water creek in the Ardennes” or “that was a local street artist in Bolivia”, etc. Next year, I’d love to go to Colombia to spice up my sample library!

What do you use to make your music? (technically)

Ableton, a microphone and a lot of little instruments. Recently, my devotion to percussion has been switched into a higher gear and I love it! I’m able to express myself so much better now!

And what does your live show look like?

You could describe it as an adventurous journey to a dynamic place inside your own imagination! I use the guitar, the flute and some percussion. You can watch the recent live show I did for ‘Made In Belgium’ online, just to give you an idea. I’m super proud of that set!

What do you hope to achieve within, like, 5 years from now?

I would like to bring my story to a wider variety of different places in the world. I want to make field recordings in Asia, Africa, South America - everywhere basically - and come back with a lot of new samples, music and instruments! Additionally, playing Dour Festival or Worldwide FM are other goals I would most definitely like to achieve some day!

Finally, what’s next for you in the coming months?

There will be some gigs across Belgium (most of them DJ-sets though) and hopefully I’ll be able to drop an EP or two!